We do not Serve a Dead God.

Homily for November 25, 2017.

And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive." Luke 20:37-39

I remember very well that in those days when our teacher in school would tell us something new or something different that is too good to be true, our natural reaction would be to bombard him or her with lots and lots of questions. And these questions are not asked for clarification sake but attempt to prove the teacher wrong.

This was exactly the case of Jesus and the Sadducees in today’s Gospel passage. The Sadducees were a group of people who did not believe in the possibility of the resurrection of the dead. And in other to refute Jesus, they came up with an argument; indeed a very impossible case to prove to Jesus why there can’t be resurrection.

Jesus’ response not only revealed the shallowness of their reasoning, it also enlightens us more about how life after death would be. When we die, we leave our bodies behind as well as everything that goes with the flesh; food, shelter, clothing, marriage, security, etc. Hence, it is a matter of wisdom that we do not allow these bodily concerns prevent us from attaining heaven.

During a funeral mass yesterday, the priest said: “God never abandons what he has created.” Since God is eternal and he made us in his likeness, there is something eternal also within us, so death is just the beginning of another kind of life.

Evil may thrive in the society but for a time. Evil can never overpower Good. No matter how bad things may be, God never sleeps; God is not dead. God will surely win. Today we read of how King Antiochus was not only defeated in battle but became extremely sick and dejected, recanting with regret the evils he had done in Jerusalem.

Never give up on your goodness. God is still Alive.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, give me courage and inspiration when the going seems tough. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Saturday of the 33^rd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study:  1 Maccabees 6:1-13 and Luke 20:27-40).*

Fr. Abu.